Most Self-Improved

How do you move from setting goals that fizzle out to living a life that feels deeply aligned with who you are? In this episode of Most Self-Improved, we sit down with coach and vision mapping expert Beth Batson to talk about creating a vision that serves as your North Star.Beth shares how vision mapping can shift you away from fixing what’s broken and instead guide you toward a future fueled by possibility, clarity, and meaning. You’ll learn how to map backwards from your future self, tend to your vision daily, and embrace both the detours and the magic that life throws your way.If you’ve ever struggled with fear, doubt, or the overwhelm of “Where do I even begin?” this conversation will help you build a roadmap you can live now — not just someday.In this episode:1:16 Why traditional goal-setting often fails4:31 How to dream beyond your past experiences7:46 Facing fears and vulnerability in creating your vision13:31 The difference between your goals and vision and how to map backwards20:56 Building resilience and flexibility when life throws detours27:31 Daily and weekly practices to keep your vision alive31:46 Final reflections and takeawaysMore:Learn more about Coach Beth BatsonWebsite: bethbatson.comReflect & Reconnect Workbook: Download hereInstagram: @bethbatsonConnect with Most Self-ImprovedFollow on Instagram: @mostselfimproved

Should you have a baby? What if you want one, but circumstances are beyond your control? And how do you grieve when life doesn’t unfold the way you hoped?In this deeply moving and pragmatic episode, hosts Bhavana Chilukuri and Erin Jensen speak with Merle Bombardieri, clinical social worker, therapist, and author of “The Baby Decision” and “Baby or Childfree?” For decades, Merle has guided people through one of the most life-shaping questions: whether to become a parent or embrace a fulfilling, childfree life.This episode will speak to you if you are:Wrestling with whether to have childrenCoping with grief around infertility or circumstanceAlready childfree, but seeking peace and confidence in your choiceCurious how to navigate the decision with a partner who feels differentlyMerle brings both compassion and concrete exercises to help you uncover what you truly want for your life. This is an episode to bookmark, share, and maybe keep a tissue handy for. (Yes, Erin is back to “pretty crying.”)In this episode3:00 Merle’s personal journey of questioning motherhood in the 1970s and finding role models7:15 Common fears people face when deciding whether or not to have children10:15 How to think about regret and why ambivalence is a normal part of this decision13:00 Why making peace with mortality can clarify what matters most15:00 Exercises to separate your desires from family or societal expectations17:00 Navigating grief when having a child isn’t possible, and how to hold both loss and hope21:00 When partners aren’t on the same page25:00 How to honor the path not taken27:00 Support networks and organizations for the childfree-not-by-choice community28:00 Practical exercises33:00 Merle’s reminder that this decision is never just about babies, it’s about the life you wantLearn more about Merle BombardieriFor more about Merle and her writing, visit her website Find Merle on Instagram If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who may be sitting with this question right now. And don’t forget to subscribe to Most Self-Improved and follow us on Instagram @mostselfimproved for more conversations about building your best, most authentic life.

Get the Sunday scaries? Feel stuck in a role that’s “fine” but far from fulfilling? You’re not alone — nearly 80% of people feel disengaged at work, according to Gallup. But what if you could design a career that lights you up instead of draining you?In this inspiring conversation, career development coach Emily Lamia, founder of Pivot Journeys, shares practical, energizing strategies to help you figure out what’s next — whether you’re dreaming of a bold career change, craving more autonomy where you are, or just wondering if your “dream job” even exists.Emily’s advice is both compassionate and no-nonsense — and she proves that with the right experiments, support, and mindset, your chances of finding work you love are higher than you think. Whether you’re starting from scratch, juggling “what if” dreams, or trying to tweak your current role to fit you better, this episode will give you the tools (and the push) to take that first step today.In this episode:3:47 Emily’s own winding career journey from politics to full-time coaching6:13 The little experiments approach for testing your new career out9:40 Stuck and don’t know what you want? Emily’s 3-part process13:14 Tackling the “I’m too old to change careers” myth — and why identity shifts are part of the process16:09 What to consider when making a pivot22:29 The “talk shop” approach 23:42 What comes after prototyping 26:01 Why your dream job will change over time — and why that’s healthy27:50 Redefining success and achievement29:50 Lessons learned from a pivot that didn’t go as planned 34:48 The one thing to do today to kickstart your career change36:06 Getting in touch with Emily and finding the right coach for youMore resources:Emily’s website: The book “Designing Your Life” The CliftonStrengths AssessmentFollow Most Self-Improved on Instagram

If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by choice — whether it’s small, like deciding on dinner, or big, like changing careers — this episode is your push toward clarity. Decision coach Nell Wulfhart joins hosts Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri to help untangle what’s actually keeping us stuck. From overthinking to fear of regret, this honest conversation offers practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you finally decide and move forward.Nell shares why taking action — even imperfectly — is often better than staying in indecision, why most decisions are reversible, and how to build your decision-making muscle. You'll learn how to test your dreams in small ways and how the scariest leaps can be the most worthwhile.In this episode:3:13 What a decision coach actually does (and why one session is enough)5:43 How Nell built her decisiveness—and how you can too: “Decision making is a muscle”7:15 Why fear of regret stops us in our tracks: “The decision making business is really just the regret-minimization business” 9:08 Overthinking red flags and how to stop them: “Letting the doubt creep into your mind, you could just lose so many opportunities”12:28 Nell’s tool for overcoming regret: “Learn to separate the decisions from the outcome”16:01 Nell’s future exercise to help you make decisions 18:41 What to do when your dream doesn’t feel realistic right now20:52 Why are we risk-averse? 25:00 You’ve made your decision. Now what?More:Nell offers single-session decision coaching designed to help you stop swirling in doubt and start taking action. For more information, visit her website and sign up for her newsletter.Follow us on Instagram, @mostselfimproved Subscribe and share this episode with a friend who’s stuck on a decision. It might save them hours (or years).

You don’t need a significant other, bestie, or bachelorette invite to see the world. You simply need the desire (which you’ve got), the confidence to take your dreams seriously, and the courage to act on it.In this episode of Most Self-Improved, hosts Bhavana Chilukuri and Erin Jensen chat with Melissa Byron of A Solo Woman Traveling — an expert who curates luxury European tours for women. She’s here to tell you that freedom, fun, and self-discovery don’t require anyone else’s permission. “I was about to turn 30,” Melissa remembers of her first solo trip, “and I hadn’t really done any traveling. And I thought, ‘Okay, I can just keep waiting, or I can go on a trip by myself.’”If you’ve ever dreamed of booking the flight, making pasta from scratch in Italy, or sipping espresso in Paris without explaining yourself to anyone, this episode will have you fired up like a jet engine.In this episode: 1:35 Bhavana and Erin’s experience with solo travel and their hesitation5:23 Melissa enters the chat: Solo travel “changed my life in so many ways”6:15 What keeps us waiting: “In the early days I was saving destinations until I had someone special to go with, and then I realized, 'This is silly. I can always go back.’”10:48 Avoid Melissa’s travel mistakes 12:30 How to make friends on trips13:30 Melissa’s tips for solo travel: Start local and “pay for convenience over anything else”16:18 Preparing for solo travel19:00 Your sign to just go: “Look and book”More:If you’re interested in learning more about Melissa, her tips, and her trips, make the journey over to her website. Connect with her on Instagram: @ASoloWomanTravelingSubscribe to Most Self-Improved and DM us your dream solo trip so we can cheer you on!

This is such a fun and informative episode for anyone who has been accused of being picky or secretly wondered if their standards for dating are too high. Dating coach Rachel Simeone joins hosts Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri to unpack what it really means to be picky and what settling feels like.“Settling comes from a place of fear, a place (of) insecurity,” Rachel says. “The message you're giving yourself is something like, ‘What if I never find anyone else? Maybe I can't get the kind of person I want. Maybe this is all there is for me.’” Rachel also shares the inspiring journey of how she found true love after a 17-year relationship crumbled. Whether you're deep in dating app burnout or wondering if you’re the “single for a reason” friend, this episode will give you clarity and encouragement.In this episode:2:14 The end of Rachel’s 17-year relationship: “I really wanted to find my true love” 4:21 Rachel is shocked by who she finds online: “There were just a lot of people out there — I call it ‘single for a reason’”6:19 How important is physical attraction?9:54 Setting your dating criteria: “The energy of too picky is very different than the energy of thoughtful dating”13:01 Dating someone worthy who gives you butterflies14:49 Defining dealbreakers15:36 When does being open become settling?18:42 Your intuition’s role19:52 If you’re not being too picky then why are you single? Finding answers in patterns21:27 How to use dating apps strategically and avoid emotional burnout22:56 Rachel’s advice for meeting people in real life: “This is going to sound strange”More:Learn more about Rachel Simeone and her teachings via her website, rachelsimeone.com Email her at [email protected] Book a free dating strategy session via her websiteFollow Most Self-Improved on Instagram: @mostselfimproved Show some love to a friend who is single by sharing this episode

Your Most Self-Improved hosts Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri kick off Season 3 with an episode that might be just the exhale you need. Tricia Dimon, a breathwork facilitator and founder of Breath of Abundance, explains the inner clarity and calm that can be achieved through intentional breath. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected from your intuition, or like your body is carrying stress you can’t name, this one is for you. Learn about a new tool for self-regulation and decision-making that you can try during the episode.In this episode:2:17 Introduction of Tricia Dimon, breathwork facilitator 6:00 What exactly is breathwork?6:56 Softening trauma and releasing stress  8:03 How breathwork differs from typical breathing9:12 How breath can be a bridge back to your intuition, clarity, and confidence12:06 A guided breathwork session that you can try22:00 Breathing back into alignment with your true self25:50 Bhavana and Erin’s takeaways from the episodeMore:To learn more about Tricia’s work, visit her website or purchase her book. Follow the show on Instagram: @mostselfimprovedSubscribe and leave a review if this episode moved you or helped you reconnect to yourself. Share it with a friend who could use an exhale.

Maybe you haven’t found the right partner, or perhaps pairing up isn’t of interest at all, but you’d still like to pursue your dream of becoming a parent on your own. In this eye-opening episode, Most Self-Improved hosts Bhavana Chilukuri and Erin Jensen chat with Ali Cherry, wearer of multiple hats, including therapist, writer, standup comic and mom. Discover Ali’s inspiring story of embracing life on her own terms and her journey to becoming a mom. This heartwarming episode is not only an exploration of what it means to pursue solo motherhood but also a celebration of life's non-linear paths.This episode also reveals some happy, personal news for one of our very own podcast hosts as the show heads for a break.In this episode:2:30 Introducing Ali Cherry: Therapist, writer, and mom3:19 Ali's journey to solo parenthood: Trying on the idea of solo parenting5:58 Fears about solo parenting6:45 Picking a sperm donor: “Shockingly easy”7:11 How being a solo parent has changed her: “I feel more settled”9:44 Ali on being the author of her own parenting journey: “I don’t want that story of ‘It’s hard’”11:20 The process of getting pregnant14:45 Ali’s parting advice for aspiring solo parents: Acknowledge “life is not linear” and embrace the process19:40 One co-host announces her own baby news and a Most Self-Improved breakMore:Watch Ali talk about “Being Single in a Coupled World” on YouTube.  Follow Most Self-Improved on Instagram and Subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

It’s a four-letter word with a bad rap, but we’re going to talk about it anyway: envy.We just exited “Why is everyone in Italy without me?”-season, but there are still times when we feel like we’re lacking or behind — as the only single girl at dinner, or intimidated by all of the influencers and CEOs on our #FYP that seem to have it all (and all figured out).What’s wrong with us? (Spoiler alert: absolutely nothing!) And what can we do with those feelings? In this episode, life coach Stacy Kim reveals how to: Make envy work for youUncover what you truly want Take steps towards a more fulfilling life This green eyed-opening episode redefines this “negative” emotion into a driving force for self-improvement and success.In this episode:1:55 The social stigma of envy3:53 Welcoming life coach Stacy Kim: “I love coaching high-achieving, big-hearted people”06:31 Defining envy: When it’s benign and when it’s toxic08:39 Cultural perspectives on envy11:30 Dealing with envy in a healthy way: “Envy can often tell you what it is that you really want”16:42 Remedying the sadness and resentment that can accompany envy19:55 Hone in on what you truly want by letting envy be your guide21:18 Other common challenges high-achieving women face22:05 Stacy’s message for high-achieving women: “You’ve got this”More:For more information about Stacy and her teachings or to work with her, visit her website. You can also read her article on envy penned for The Washington Post. Follow the podcast on Instagram, @MostSelfImproved. 

"Most Self Improved" hosts Bhavana Chilukuri and Erin Jensen chat with life and leadership coach Stephanie MacKinnon to explore the elusive balance between effort and ease. If you’ve ever struggled with knowing how hard to push yourself and when to rest, this conversation is a must-listen.In this episode:02:47 Stephanie's journey and insights: “It’s a constant cycle of learning and checking in."04:26 Defining effort and ease and why the word “should” is a red flag for Stephanie7:17 How to know if you’re burnt out: “Checking in with how we actually feel is actually quite radical.”10:53 Working beyond the belief that rest needs to be earned12:30 Redefining what success means to you15:46 The three questions to ask yourself instead of “What should I do right now?” to invite in ease17:30 Final thoughts and takeawaysMore:You can read Stephanie’s blog about effort and ease referenced in this episode here. For more information about Stephanie and her work, visit her website (where you can access her free reflection questions). You can also follow her on Instagram, where you’ll also find our show, @MostSelfImproved. 

As minimalist lifestyle coach Dara Zycherman explains, minimalism extends far beyond just decluttering. Discover how minimalism, rooted in mindfulness and self-reflection, can transform not only your physical space but also your mental clarity and confidence. Listen as Dara explains the difference between organizing and simplifying, the emotional weight of our possessions, and how our outer environment impacts our inner well-being. Tune in to learn practical tips for starting your minimalist journey and how this mindset shift can lead to a more aligned and fulfilling life.In this episode:3:10 Defining minimalism: “Mindfully choosing what you truly want and need”4:52 The benefits of minimalism: Making your day less chaotic5:40 The difference between organizing and simplifying6:17 The impact of your environment on inner world: “If you are in a environment that makes you feel bad, then your inner world is less confident.”13:30 The “No. 1 question” you should be asking about an object15:40 Applying minimalism to more than just physical stuff17:58 Two things you can do to begin your journey23:17 Getting others who live with you on board with minimalism29:17 Conclusion and takeawaysMore:For more information about Dara, visit her website or follow her on Instagram. She has also shared her email with our audience, [email protected] sure to subscribe to Most Self-Improved and follow the show on Instagram.

In this episode of Most Self-Improved, hosts Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri chat with therapist Leah Marone all about adult friendships. Leah emphasizes our innate need for connection and the challenges of maintaining friendships as we age. If you’ve been sad about an evolving friendship, don’t worry. Grieving is totally normal, Leah says. And clear, proactive communication can help.This chat covers evolving expectations of friendships, loneliness, making new acquaintances later in life, and resolving conflicts in a healthy way. Tune in for an important conversation that will inspire you to take small, courageous steps in your social interactions. As Leah asks her clients, “What risk are you going to take this week?”In this episode:1:07 Meeting Leah Marone, the anxiety expert and former athlete who believes in getting in your emotional “reps” 2:12 The importance of friendship 3:18 Modern loneliness and connection6:26 Navigating friendships in adulthood: Grieving and communication9:31 How anxiety will fill the space of a changing friendship12:26 A good friend defined17:42 Balancing friendships and energy levels20:56 Maintaining long-distance friendships23:47 Resolving conflict with friends26:15 Handling defensive reactions28:27 When to end a friendship33:03 Making friends as an adult35:00 Taking risks to improve social connectionsMore:If you’d like to know more about Leah or her work, check out her website. Subscribe to Most Self-Improved and connect with us on Instagram. 

Most Self-Improved hosts Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri welcome marriage and family therapist Dr. Ilene Cohen for this episode on happiness. Discover how a strong foundation built on values and principles, rather than fleeting pleasures, leads to true fulfillment. And learn about the impact of relationships, self-evaluation, and overcoming challenges to achieve lasting joy. Whether you're seeking ways to align your behaviors with your values or curious about the difference between instant gratification and genuine happiness, this episode offers deep insights and practical advice to enhance your well-being.In this episode:3:00 Introduction of marriage and family therapist, Dr. Ilene Cohen3:43 A foundation for happiness5:20 Defining happiness 9:43 Pillars of happiness14:08 Tying your happiness to goals: “When the goal is just attached to ‘Because it will make me happy’ that’s where we go wrong”16:58 How to rethink your goalsMore:For more information on Dr. Ilene, visit her website, check out her books, or her article, Is the Pursuit of Happiness a Source of Unhappiness?Subscribe to Most Self-Improved and tell us what you enjoyed about this episode on Instagram. 

In this episode of Most Self-Improved, behavioral economist Peter McGraw discusses the benefits of embracing singledom as someone whose identity is independent of their relationship status. He calls it living as a Solo. Peter says being single is often “viewed as temporary, viewed as less than. It's like, ‘Oh, I'm sure you'll find your person,’ kind of dinner conversation.” But Peter wanted to alter that perception and examine “what are the opportunities that come from being single and to celebrate this time in life, whether it be for now or forever.”Drawing from his book released in January, “Solo: Building a Remarkable Life of Your Own,” his podcast, Solo, and personal experiences, Peter outlines the differences between being a traditional single and being a wholehearted, self-reliant Solo. He specifies the four types of singles and offers insights on how to thrive, regardless of your relationship status. Tune in to discover how you can live a fulfilled life as a solo individual.“The world tends to tell you that there's one way to live,” Peter says. “But really there's not one remarkable life. There are remarkable lives.”  In this episode:3:16 Meet Peter McGraw: Origins of his interest in single living5:20 Peter’s experience being single: “I always just felt like a misfit” 7:10 The difference between being single and Solo living8:40 The three characteristics of Solos: wholeheartedness, self-reliance, unconventional thinking 18:22 Designing a meaningful life: The sailboat metaphor for wellbeing23:27 The four types of singles defined: Some Day, Just May, No Way, and New Way Singles More:For more information on Peter and his work, visit his website. Follow Most Self-Improved on Instagram and YouTube.  

In this episode of "Most Self-Improved,” hosts Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri chat with goal achievement coach Kristin Burke about the power of consistency in reaching your goals. It’s one of Kristin’s four C's of goal achievers, after all — along with clarity, confidence and courage.For our audience, Kristin outlines a simple yet effective four-part goal-setting process. She also reveals how we can learn to identify meaningful goals, develop courage by "partying with fear," and implement consistent habits to make your goals a reality.Join us for a motivating conversation that will leave you equipped with practical tips, like the Friday ritual of reviewing weekly wins and the power of tracking your progress to overcome guilt and stay on course. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to be more consistent and productive in both their personal and professional lives.In this episode:6:30 Kristin’s 4-step plan for getting clear on what your goals should be: Step 1: Create your longterm vision.Step 2: Reflection: “There’s so much power in the pause.” Ask:What do you want more of?What do you want less of?Step 3: Brainstorm your goals and narrow them down to the most meaningful. Simplify and focus on less goals if you’re new to goal setting and achieving.To help prioritize your goals, rank them from 1-5, with 5 being the most meaningful and 1 the least.Step 4: Come up with a plan to achieve your goals. Ask: What are you willing to give up? What will your strategies be?11:12 What do the people who are great at achieving their goals do that others don’t? They have clarity, confidence, courage and consistency. (Each are defined.)16:46 How to combat the things that derail your consistency: Ditch all or nothing thinking, embrace progress, not perfection. Remember, “Consistency is not 100% of the time.”19:46 Embrace tracking your goals for success: “We have to move away from shame and judgment and move towards perspective and understanding."26:46 Advice for the overly-ambitious goal setter 30:53 How to know if it’s time to give up on a goal? Perform goal check-ins at the end of the month and quarterly32:33 Silence your negative mental narratives by asking these two questions.34:00 Kristin’s Friday Ritual: At the end of each week, write down your wins, lessons learned, and 3-4 priorities for next week.More:If you’d like more information about Kristin or her teachings, you can visit her website, follow her on Instagram,  and listen to her podcast, Elite Achievement. Follow Most Self-Improved on Instagram for more from our lovely show. 

Hello! Allow us at Most Self-Improved -- hosts Bhavana Chilukuri and Erin Jensen -- to reintroduce our podcast. While we launched in September 2023 as a podcast book club devoted exclusively to personal growth titles, we've pivoted to an interview format in which we talk to experts in the wellness space seeking answers to questions like, "Where the heck do I make friends as a thirty-something?" "Do I really want to have kids?" "How do I make the most of my morning?" Speaking of, "morning routine" has become one of those buzzy phrases, like "gut health" as of late. The pressure to live up to those getting up at 3 a.m. to work up a sweat and then cold plunge, or begin your 25-step skin care routine begins the moment we open up our eyes now. Or at least that's how it can feel (and more power to the people able to accomplish these things!). But our morning routines should not be thought of as a to-do list, says Kerry Biskelonis, owner of Reset Brain and Body, which offers its clients therapy and coaching services.“It’s so important not to listen to the noise about what you should be doing," Kerry says in the Season 2 opener of Most Self-Improved. "We go on social media, we go on TikTok and it’s, ‘This is the best morning routine! And these are the things you need to do!’ And it’s so overwhelming, and there’s way too much that we’re consuming. "And what you’re going to stick to is the thing that comes from within," she continues. "So the more that you get in touch with that, the more it’s going to feel that you can be consistent because it’s authentically driven.”Furthermore, Kerry says we should reframe the morning routine as a sacred hour which, when done consistently, reaffirms, "I matter. I am a priority. My wellbeing matters. I am worth my own time.” In this episode:Intro: The new Most Self-Improved format explained. It's like our podcast got bangs!3:05 Welcome therapist Kerry Biskelonis to the podcast5:13: Reframing the morning routine as a “sacred hour” for yourself. Kerry says it’s not a to do list but “a sacred hour in which you are queuing to yourself I matter.” 7:34 Benefits of a sacred hour. Kerry acknowledges, “If I don’t take care of myself, I am not good to other people.”8:35 How to fit in your sacred hour with a spouse and kids: “No one will ever give it to you — ever!" Kerry says. "You have to really grab it.”10:28 Organizing your sacred hour and the two questions to help you decide what to include.16:01 The 90-second trick to overriding that urge to do what’s comfortable in order to meet your goals 20:49 How routine helps us embrace “the magic of the monotony.”27:04 Tapping into your authentic self More:For more about Kerry's practice, visit her website or the office's Instagram.For more from Most Self-Improved, check out our Instagram and click follow.

Naturally a podcast named Most Self-Improved is returning with a few, well, improvements! Though the show launched in September 2023 as a book club podcast exclusively reading personal growth titles, your hilarious, relatable and never-afraid-to-be-vulnerable hosts have gotten rid of the required reading. Going forward, hosts Bhavana Chilukuri and Erin Jensen will interview therapists and experts in the wellness space to help answer questions plaguing them and their fellow Millennials: “How do I make friends as a thirty-something?” “Do I really need a 25-step skincare routine?” “How do I truly know if I want kids?” Episodes drop every other Thursday after the premiere on June 6.Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Do you have a vision of who you’d like to be in 2024? Perhaps it’s someone who consistently works out, reads, or eats a more balanced-diet? Perhaps this version of you is one you’ve imagined for a long time, but for whatever reason you haven’t been able to make it a reality. In light of the New Year, we’re reading James Clear’s “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” which might help you be the person you’ve wanted to be, that you know deep down you are. And good news: to get there you only need to consistently do small things. “Success is the product of daily habits — not once in a life time transformations,” Clear writes. In our final episode of the series, we’ll learn how to make good habits stick through habit tracking, accountability partners and the ever important and mind-blowing Goldilocks Rule, which says that humans experience peak motivation when attempting tasks that aren’t too difficult or too simple. Clear also emphasizes the importance of getting comfortable with boredom.“The greatest threat to success is not failure but boredom,” he writes. “Professionals stick to the schedule; amateurs let life get in the way. Professionals know what is important to them and work toward it with purpose; amateurs get pulled off course by the urgencies of life.”“When a habit is truly important to you, you have to be willing to stick to it in any mood,” he continues. “There have been lots of days I’ve felt like relaxing, but I’ve never regretted showing up and working on something that was important to me … The only way to become excellent is to be endlessly fascinated by doing the same thing over and over. You have to fall in love with boredom.”More:Buy “Atomic Habits” and read along.  You can download a free chapter via his website. Are you accepting our first Most Self-Improved challenge? Tell us what habit you’re adopting or dropping on Instagram, @MostSelfImproved. Reading schedule: Episode 1: Chapter 1-7 Episode 2: Chapter 8 through Ch 14 Episode 3: Chapters 15 through 20

Do you have a vision of who you’d like to be in 2024? Perhaps it’s someone who consistently works out, reads, or eats a more balanced-diet? Perhaps this version of you is one you’ve imagined for a long time, but for whatever reason you haven’t been able to make it a reality. In light of the New Year, we’re reading James Clear’s “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” which might help you be the person you’ve wanted to be, that you know deep down you are. And good news: to get there you only need to consistently do small things. “Success is the product of daily habits — not once in a life time transformations,” Clear writes. He reminds readers: “We all deal with setbacks but in the long run, the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our habits. With the same habits, you’ll end up with the same results. But with better habits, anything is possible.”In last week’s episode, we covered ways to make good habits as obvious as possible. This episode, we’re sharing Clear’s advice for making them attractive and easy.More:Buy “Atomic Habits” and read along.  You can download a free chapter via his website. Are you accepting our first Most Self-Improved challenge? Tell us what habit you’re adopting or dropping on Instagram, @MostSelfImproved. Reading schedule: Episode 1: Chapter 1-7 Episode 2: Chapter 8 through Ch 14 Episode 3: Chapters 15 through 20

Do you have a vision of who you’d like to be in 2024? Perhaps it’s someone who consistently works out, reads, or eats a more balanced diet? Perhaps this version of you is one you’ve imagined for a long time, but for whatever reason you haven’t been able to make it a reality. In light of the New Year, we’re reading James Clear’s “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones,” which might help you be the person you’ve wanted to be, that you know deep down you are. And good news: to get there you only need to consistently do small things. “Success is the product of daily habits — not once in a life time transformations,” Clear writes. He reminds readers: “We all deal with setbacks but in the long run, the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our habits. With the same habits, you’ll end up with the same results. But with better habits, anything is possible.”In the first episode of a three-part series, we’ll introduce Clear’s four-step process for building better habits, the role identity plays, and the powerful influence of your environment. Clear also shares a game-changing secret about self-control. More:Buy “Atomic Habits” and read along.  You can download a free chapter via his website. Are you accepting our first Most Self-Improved challenge? Tell us what habit you’re adopting or dropping on Instagram, @MostSelfImproved. Reading schedule: Episode 1: Chapters 1 through 7 Episode 2: Chapters 8 through 14 Episode 3: Chapters 15 through 20

Calling all perfectionists: this series is for you! In this episode, Katherine Morgan Schafler, psychotherapist and author of "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control,” answers all of our lingering questions, including:How can you detach from the outcome of something that you care about so much, like wanting to be a parent? As a perfectionist, are my expectations too high for a romantic partner? Am I being too picky? How do we strike the balance of effort and rest? More:Buy the book and read along. The reading schedule is as follows. Read each section prior to listening to the episode.Nov. 30 episode covers Chapters 1 through 4Dec. 7 episode covers Chapters 5 through 7Dec. 14 episode covers Chapters 8 and 9Find out what type of perfectionist you are with this quick quiz.Follow Most Self-Improved on Instagram.

Calling all perfectionists: this series is for you! In "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control,” psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler gives a formula for feeling restored and highlights the importance of allowing yourself to experience pleasure today.“Restoration is a two-phase process. You empty yourself out, you fill yourself back up,” she writes. Katherine says restoration is the combination of passive relaxation (think watching TV, taking a nap) and active relaxation (things like walking, cooking, going to a social gathering).Katherine also warns against putting off pleasure:  “When you make your access to pleasure conditional (a ‘treat’ for being good), you’re communicating to yourself that whether you deserve to feel good lies in direct proportion to your performance, not your existence.”She emphasizes to readers that their value lies in who they are as people, not their number of wins.“All people care about is you, and you are not a composite list of your perceived accomplishments and failures in life," she writes. "The energy you bring into the room with you is more valuable than anything you could ever do.”More:Buy the book and read along. The reading schedule is as follows. Read each section prior to listening to the episode.Nov. 30 episode covers Chapters 1 through 4Dec. 7 episode covers Chapters 5 through 7Dec. 14 episode covers Chapters 8 and 9Find out what type of perfectionist you are with this quick quiz.Follow Most Self-Improved on Instagram.

Calling all perfectionists: this series is for you! In "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control,” psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler explains that perfectionists can be great at self-punishment if they don’t meet their expectations. Examples of punishments include critical and negative self talk, self-sabotaging the good in your life, and denying yourself the space and time to experience simple pleasures.Why would we punish ourselves? What sense does that make? Katherine points to three reasons:We’re evaluating our worth on our performance, instead of our existence.We’re not understanding how important being compassionate with ourselves is.We are incorrectly interpreting self-punishment as personal accountability.Listen to the episode to learn how you can refrain from beating up on yourself.More:Buy the book and read along. The reading schedule is as follows. Read each section prior to listening to the episode.Nov. 30 episode covers Chapters 1 through 4Dec. 7 episode covers Chapters 5 through 7Dec. 14 episode covers Chapters 8 and 9Find out what type of perfectionist you are with this quick quiz.Follow Most Self-Improved on Instagram.

Calling all perfectionists: this series is for you! In "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control,” psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler says it’s time to embrace who you are.“Perfectionists are intelligent people who understand that everything can’t work out perfectly all the time,” Katherine explains in her book. “What they sometimes have trouble with is understand why they still feel so disappointed by imperfection in the face of that intellectual concession. What they sometimes wonder about is why they feel so compelled to endlessly strive. What they’re sometimes confused by is what they’re striving for in the first place. What they often question is why they can’t just enjoy relaxing ‘like a normal person.’” More:Buy the book and read along. The reading schedule is as follows. Read each section prior to listening to the episode.Nov. 30 episode covers Chapters 1 through 4Dec. 7 episode covers Chapters 5 through 7Dec. 14 episode covers Chapters 8 and 9Find out what type of perfectionist you are with this quick quiz.Follow Most Self-Improved on Instagram.

For this very special Thanksgiving episode of Most Self-Improved, hosts Bhavana and Erin discuss Oliver Sacks' collection of essays "Gratitude." The late Sacks penned the book during his battle with cancer.“I cannot pretend I am without fear. But my predominant feeling is one of gratitude," he wrote. "I have loved and been loved; I have been given much and I have given something in return; I have read and traveled and thought and written. I have had an intercourse with the world, the special intercourse of writers and readers."He added: “Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal, on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and adventure.”In this episode:1:00 Introduction of the book2:00 Discussion of the first essay10:30 Erin reads “What I Will Miss,” one of Nora Ephron's essays from her book "I Remember Nothing."12:13 Bhavana and Erin share what they're grateful for More:Purchase "Gratitude" by Oliver Sacks. Share your thoughts about the book and what you're grateful for on our show Instagram, @MostSelfImproved

Who wouldn't like to be even just a little bit happier? The four pillars of happiness, identified in “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier” by Arthur C. Brooks and the one and only Oprah Winfrey, are discussed in this episode: family, friends, faith, and work.In this episode:2:41 A recap of what Episode 1 covered3:55 So you're being unproductive? Why you shouldn't feel bad about it.5:10 Pillar 1: Family and family conflicts addressed6:30 Why you should pick a partner who complements you9:13 Pillar 2: Friends and how much they influence your happiness12:50 Five ways to develop companionate love with your partner13:13 Pillar 3: Work16:30 Pillar 4: Faith21:40 Bhavana and Erin's final thoughts on the book23:00 Why your pain gives you credibilityPurchase the book and read each section before listening to the show.Reading Schedule:The Nov. 9 episode covers Managing Your EmotionsThe Nov. 16 episode covers Building What MattersShare your thoughts with us on Instagram @MostSelfImproved

Who wouldn't like to be even just a little bit happier? This episode kicks off our series on “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier” by Arthur C. Brooks and the one and only Oprah Winfrey."... Happiness is not a destination. Happiness is a direction," the authors explain. And if you think targeting the things that make you unhappy will result in more happiness, you're wrong the authors say. “The common strategy of trying to eliminate suffering from life to get happier is futile and mistaken; we must instead look for the why of life to make pain an opportunity for growth.”Learn what can make you happier, according to Arthur and Oprah, in this episode. Purchase the book and read each section before listening to the show.Reading Schedule:The Nov. 9 episode covers Managing Your EmotionsThe Nov. 16 episode covers Building What MattersMore:Share your thoughts with us on Instagram @MostSelfImproved

If you’ve been wanting to get a better handle on your finance$, our series on “Deeper Than Money: Ditch Money Shame, Build Wealth, and Feel Confident AF” might be for you.Author Chloe Elise grew up in a household that didn’t talk about money. In college, she felt crushed by her student loans and decided she would read up on the subject of finance. But the restrictive, shame-inducing texts didn’t work for her. She believes in treating yourself to the $7 latte and striving for goals in a way that does’t leave you feeling deprived. Oh, and did we mention she became a millionaire before 30?Purchase "Deeper Than Money" and read along. Episode 1 covers Part 1: Understanding Beliefs and 2: Understanding YourselfEpisode 2 covers Part 3: Understanding Money and 4: Understanding SpendingEpisode 3 covers Part 5: Understanding Goals and 6: Understanding BoundariesTell us your thoughts on Instagram and follow @MostSelfImproved. Learn more about Chloe on her website.

If you’ve been wanting to get a better handle on your finance$, our series on “Deeper Than Money: Ditch Money Shame, Build Wealth, and Feel Confident AF” might be for you.Author Chloe Elise grew up in a household that didn’t talk about money. In college, she felt crushed by her student loans and decided she would read up on the subject of finance. But the restrictive, shame-inducing texts didn’t work for her. She believes in treating yourself to the $7 latte and striving for goals in a way that does’t leave you feeling deprived. Oh, and did we mention she became a millionaire before 30?Purchase "Deeper Than Money" and read along. The reading schedule is as follows:The Oct. 19 episode covers Part 1: Understanding Beliefs and 2: Understanding YourselfThe Oct. 26 episode covers Part 3: Understanding Money and 4: Understanding SpendingThe Nov. 2 episode covers Part 5: Understanding Goals and 6: Understanding BoundariesTell us your thoughts on Instagram and follow @MostSelfImproved. Learn more about Chloe on her website.

If you’ve been wanting to get a better handle on your finance$, our series on “Deeper Than Money: Ditch Money Shame, Build Wealth, and Feel Confident AF” might be for you.Author Chloe Elise grew up in a household that didn’t talk about money. In college, she felt crushed by her student loans and decided she would read up on the subject of finance. But the restrictive, shame-inducing texts didn’t work for her. She believes in treating yourself to the $7 latte and striving for goals in a way that does’t leave you feeling deprived. Oh, and did we mention she became a millionaire before 30? Purchase "Deeper Than Money" and read along. The reading schedule is as follows: The Oct. 19 episode covers Part 1: Understanding Beliefs and 2: Understanding YourselfThe Oct. 26 episode covers Part 3: Understanding Money and 4: Understanding SpendingThe Nov. 2 episode covers Part 5: Understanding Goals and 6: Understanding BoundariesTell us your thoughts on Instagram and follow @MostSelfImproved. Learn more about Chloe on her website.

Most Self-Improved hosts Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri conclude their series on "Bold Move: A 3-Step Plan to Transform Anxiety into Power" by Dr. Luana Marques with Parts 4, Align, and 5, Conclusion. Purchase "Bold Move" to read along. Dr. Marques aims to add more meaning to readers’ lives by helping them identify their values and areas where they maybe be stuck due to a tendency to avoid uncomfortable situations.In this episode, Bhavana and Erin discuss Dr. Marques tips for creating a life aligned with your values. Summarizing the book for the reader, Dr. Marques says: "We Shift our perspective and look at the world from new angles." (That's right! Forget those unfavorable core beliefs!) "Then we Approach, moving toward and through the discomfort. Finally, we Align each of our actions toward our values."Our hosts also reveal what they're taking away from the book club's first read and their final thoughts on the work. Share your thoughts with Erin, Bhavana, and the Most Self-Improved community on Instagram @MostSelfImproved. The next read will be announced on Instagram Friday.   

Most Self-Improved hosts Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri continue their series on "Bold Move: A 3-Step Plan to Transform Anxiety into Power" by Dr. Luana Marques with Part 3: Approach. Dr. Marques aims to add more meaning to readers’ lives by helping them identify their values and areas where they maybe be stuck due to a tendency to avoid uncomfortable situations.Purchase "Bold Move" and read along. Share your thoughts with Erin, Bhavana, and the Most Self-Improved community on Instagram @MostSelfImproved.  Read each section before listening to the show. Episode 1, Sept. 28: Parts 1 & 2 Episode 2, Oct. 5: Part 3 Episode 3, Oct. 12: Parts 4 & 5

Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri launch the Most Self-Improved podcast with "Bold Move: A 3-Step Plan to Transform Anxiety into Power" by Dr. Luana Marques. The three-part series (see the reading schedule below) begins with Part 1: The Stuff That Keeps Us Stuck and Part 2: Shift. Dr. Marques aims to add more meaning to readers’ lives by helping them identify their values and areas where they maybe be stuck due to a tendency to avoid uncomfortable situations.Purchase "Bold Move" and read along. Share your thoughts with Erin, Bhavana, and the Most Self-Improved community on Instagram @MostSelfImproved.  Read each section before listening to the show. Episode 1, Sept. 28: Parts 1 & 2 Episode 2, Oct. 5: Part 3 Episode 3, Oct. 12: Parts 4 & 5

Consider this trailer Most Self-Improved's table of contents, a preview of how this podcast just might change your life.